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character definition

char·ac·ter (karək tər, karik-)

noun

  1. a distinctive mark
    1. any letter, figure, or symbol used in writing and printing
    2. the letters of an alphabet, collectively
  2. style of printing or handwriting
    1. a mystic symbol or magical emblem
    2. a code or cipher
  3. a distinctive trait, quality, or attribute; characteristic
  4. essential quality; nature; kind or sort
  5. the pattern of behavior or personality found in an individual or group; moral constitution
  6. moral strength; self-discipline, fortitude, etc.
    1. reputation
    2. good reputation left without a shred of character
  7. a statement about the behavior, qualities, etc. of a person, esp. as given by a former employer; reference
  8. status; position
  9. a personage great characters in history
    1. a person in a play, story, novel, etc.
    2. a role as portrayed by an actor or actress
  10. Informal an odd, eccentric, or noteworthy person
  11. Genetics any attribute, as color, shape, etc., caused in an individual by the action of one or more genes

Etymology: ME carecter < OFr caractère < L character, an engraving instrument < Gr charaktēr < charassein, to engrave < charax, pointed stake

transitive verb

  1. to write, print, or inscribe
  2. to characterize
  3. Archaic to represent; portray
character Idioms

in (or out of) character

consistent with (or inconsistent with) the role or general character

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:
character Synonyms

character

n.

  1. The dominant quality

    temper, temperament, nature, sense, complex, mystique, mood, streak, attribute, trait, quality, singularity, badge, turn, tone, style, aspect, complexion, specialty, spirit, genius, humor, frame, grain, vein, atmosphere, ambience, climate, air, aura; see also attitude 2, characteristic, temperament.

  2. The sum of a person's characteristics

    personality, disposition, nature, makeup, temperament, constitution, reputation, repute, individuality, estimation, record, caliber, standing, type, shape, quality, habit, appearance; see also kind 2.

  3. A symbol, especially in writing

    letter, sign, figure, emblem; see letter 1, mark, number 2.

  4. *An odd or striking person

    personality, figure, personage, original, eccentric, oddity, crank*, nut*, case*, odd duck*, queer duck*, oddball*, weirdo*, crackpot*, flake*, kook*, freak*. *

  5. Moral strength

    integrity, honor, probity, backbone; see determination 2, honesty 1.

  6. A role

    part, persona, member of the cast; see actor 1, cast 2, role.

in character
out of character

Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

character Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • depict: All images and characters depicted are copyright their respective holders, and are used above for informational purposes only.

Adjective modifier

  • fictional: If Fargo wasn't only a movie and she wasn't a fictional character.

Modifies a noun

  • string: I used the Airport Base Station utility to change the WEP password to a 26 character hex string.

Noun used with modifier

  • cartoon: BV: He's not like a cartoon character.
character usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

character quotes

You have been acquitted bya Limerick jury, and you may now leave the dock without any other stain upon your character.

-Adams,Judge Richard

As the character is, such is the speech.

-Aelius Aristides

   She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.

-Alcott, Louisa May

character quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"character." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/character>

APA Style

character. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/character

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